Chapter 30: A Master Is Writing Lyrics for Roman

"My goodness, Luo Man, these two sets of lyrics are truly fantastic."

"I say, Yanfang, didn't you say you didn't want to sing lately and were focusing on acting?"

"Acting? I'm done with that. Your line of thinking was correct; I can't break through no matter how much I act. What more is there to do? It's better to find a breakthrough in singing. The company has found many musicians to write songs for me recently, but while the melodies are top-tier, the lyrics are just mediocre."

Speaking of which, it is sometimes hard to distinguish the quality of songs. Many have incredibly catchy melodies. However, whether a song becomes a hit doesn't rely on the melody alone. Even if the melody is good, if the lyrics are average, the song will only ever be lukewarm.

Take "Clear Stream," which Luo Man sang previously. Its melody was certainly not bad, but the lyrics were mundane. Although Luo Man sang it, it didn't gain much traction—it simply couldn't catch fire. Unexpectedly, after the lyrics were rewritten as "Human World," it exploded in popularity. Subsequently, Luo Man’s "Years Hurrying By" propelled her fame to its peak.

Originally, Luo Man’s status was on par with the likes of Mei Yanfang and Lin Qingxia. But because of her breakthrough in singing, there were signs that she was beginning to pull away from them. The reason for all of this was that there was a hidden master writing lyrics for her.

"Luo Man, which master did you find to write your lyrics?"

"My younger brother," Luo Man replied directly.

"You have a younger brother?"

"Is that not allowed?"

"Hahaha... don't tell me you've kept a young lover?"

"So what if I have?"

"Tsk tsk... you're really an old cow grazing on tender grass."

"I happen to like tender grass."

"Fine, fine, you win. Hey, can you introduce your brother to me?"

"No way."

"I'm not going to steal him from you."

"Who knows? My brother is so talented, what if you get obsessed with him?"

"Damn, am I someone who lacks suitors?" Mei Yanfang said, feigning anger. "Are we still best friends or not? Hurry up, or else..."

"Alright, alright, stop carrying on..." Seeing there was no other way with Mei Yanfang, Luo Man nodded. "But, my brother’s fees are quite expensive. It just depends on whether you're willing to pay."

"How much?"

"One million for two sets of lyrics."

"Heavens..." Mei Yanfang was stunned. "Are you trying to scam me?"

"Then forget it. If you aren't willing to pay, there's nothing I can do."

"Fine, as long as the lyrics he writes are of the same level as the two he wrote for you, then one million it is." Mei Yanfang had always been generous, and as she spoke, she prepared to transfer the money to Luo Man.

Luo Man laughed. "I'm just kidding. It doesn't cost a million; it's only 100,000 per song."

"I thought so... you little prankster." Mei Yanfang glared at her but didn't dwell on it. "Never mind the money for now; call your brother first."

Just as she was about to pull out her phone, Luo Man shook her head. "No need to call. Let's go together."

"Go where?"

"Sheng Teng Entertainment."

"Why go there?"

"Don't you want the songs?"

"Your brother is at Sheng Teng?"

"Yes."

"Who is it? I know everyone at Sheng Teng, and I'm quite close with Wang Jin."

"You'll see when we get there."

...

"This Chen Ping is truly hard to read." A phone call from Gao Xixi had made Wang Jin hesitate. Although Chen Ping was just a newcomer, Chen Kaige was not someone to be trifled with. Who knew what kind of relationship they had? Originally, she had wanted to have Chen Ping sign a new contract, but now, it seemed better to hold off on any moves.

As she was pondering this, her assistant walked into the office, looking somewhat excited. "Director Wang, Luo Man and Mei Yanfang are here at the company."

"What... where?"

"Right outside."

"Quick, invite them in! Wait—come back, let's go together."

When two such titans arrived, even Wang Jin had to show the utmost respect.

"Luo Man, Yanfang, long time no see." Wang Jin extended her hand with a beaming smile.

Mei Yanfang responded with a smile as well. "Sister Jin, it really has been a long time. How are things at Sheng Teng?"

"Not bad... why don't you come to Sheng Teng, Yanfang? I guarantee that if you join us, you can name your terms."

"I’d love to, but why don't you go discuss that with the boss of Huaxing?"

"Forget it, that guy is too difficult to deal with."

Of course, this was all in jest. Titans like Mei Yanfang were generally impossible to poach. Even if it were possible, the breach-of-contract penalties would be an astronomical figure.

"Luo Man, you are becoming more and more popular. I really love those two songs of yours." Wang Jin naturally knew Luo Man as well. Although she didn't know why they had suddenly come to Sheng Teng, the polite pleasantries had to be observed.

Luo Man replied, "Sister Wang, you are the agent of superstars. No matter how popular we get, we can't compare to you."

"Look at you, saying that. Just look at Sheng Teng; we don't have a single superstar right now."

"I believe Sister Wang will surely cultivate another superstar."

"Are you also optimistic about Chen Yichong?"

"Chen Yichong?" Luo Man was stunned. She realized Wang Jin had misunderstood her, but she didn't explain, instead following Wang Jin's lead. "Chen Yichong has both looks and talent. He is already beyond first-tier; I believe if he takes one more step, he will be the successor to the throne."

"Successor to the throne—that's easier said than done." Although Wang Jin had once managed a superstar, the times had changed. Even though she was very optimistic about Chen Yichong, no one could be sure if he could go further. However, didn't that just make it more challenging?

"By the way, Sister Wang, we came to Sheng Teng today mainly to find someone."

"Oh? Who are you looking for?"

"Chen Ping."

"Chen Ping?" Wang Jin was a little surprised. "You're looking for Chen Ping? Which Chen Ping are you talking about?" She was still uncertain, thinking she might have misheard. Why would Luo Man be looking for a rookie actor like Chen Ping?

"The Chen Ping who just signed with your company recently. Sister Wang, does Sheng Teng have many people named Chen Ping?"

"No, not really."

Once she confirmed it was the Chen Ping she had in mind, Wang Jin was even more confused. "I don't know what business you have with Chen Ping?"

"I have some private matters I'd like to discuss with him."

"Private matters, eh?" Wang Jin thought for a moment and then asked Wu Yu, "Wu Yu, is Chen Ping back?"

"He returned just yesterday."

"Good, call Chen Ping to the office."

"Sister Wang, that won't be necessary. We don't want to make a big scene. Why don't you have Manager Wu take me to where Chen Ping is staying? I'd like to speak with him privately."

"This... that's fine." Not being able to figure out what Luo Man was up to, but seeing that it didn't appear to be anything harmful, Wang Jin nodded.

...

"Chen Ping, are you in your apartment?"

"Yes."

"Good, someone is here to see you."

"Who is it?"

"You'll know in a moment. I'm outside the door..."

After receiving the call from Wu Yu, Chen Ping felt a bit strange. Usually, no one ever came to see him. However, when he opened the door, a voice came from the side: "Little brother, so this is where you live."

He looked toward the source of the voice. Luo Man winked at him. "Why are you just standing there? Don't you recognize your sister?"